Author Topic: How many out there have taken a class?? (Read 1931 times)

hunt4570 · « **on:** December 21, 2009, 09:36:19 AM »

Just curious how many of you have taken a class..MSF or otherwise.Did you like it? If you haven't taken a class,why not? And yes,I've taken several classes...

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #1 on:** December 21, 2009, 10:06:51 AM »

I haven't. No reason. I've been riding for 30 years and just never got around to it.

hunt4570 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 21, 2009, 12:42:07 PM »

Quote from: GRIMJIM on December 21, 2009, 10:06:51 AM

I haven't. No reason. I've been riding for 30 years and just never got around to it.

You would be amazed at how much better you could ride if you took one..."been riding 30 years" means nothing....It will change the way you ride..

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2009, 01:16:00 PM »

I got my first Harley running when I was 17,and I'm 68 now. I hillclimbed first,then motorcross,and now full dresser's.I've never had a motorcycle class in all my yrs. of rideing,but I do have alot of people asking advice on how to ride.I have yet to wreck even 1 motorcycle,but I've got 5 or 10 yrs. left to do it in.I'm not saying these class's are not needed,because the highway's are more crowded these days.I ride like I'm riding a greenbroke horse all the time( ready for anything) Digger

Tonk · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2009, 01:47:53 PM »

Hunt4570........Yes, I have taken 2 classes and I was also asked to teach the class at the local college but I never liked the way they crame people into a 2 day session and said not unless I can teach it my way. I have wittnessed several people get hurt taking these classes. Most happens because they get the idea they are going learn "how to ride a bike", they just don't have enough time on the bike before they take the classes.

hunt4570 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2009, 02:37:54 PM »

Quote from: Tonk on December 21, 2009, 01:47:53 PM

Hunt4570........Yes, I have taken 2 classes and I was also asked to teach the class at the local college but I never liked the way they crame people into a 2 day session and said not unless I can teach it my way. I have wittnessed several people get hurt taking these classes. Most happens because they get the idea they are going learn "how to ride a bike", they just don't have enough time on the bike before they take the classes.

The class where you noticed them "cram"people in to a 2 day class..how many instructors did they have and how many students did they "cram" in?
They (MSF) has done a ton of research into how and why they teach the classes and it works very well..I've been teaching these classes 5 years now and have only witnessed one real injury in all that time,and it was just a sprained wrist.
And I would much prefer to work with someone that has never ridden a bike before instead of having "time on a bike"as you put it..no bad habits to fix..

AtlLaw · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2009, 02:59:22 PM »

I took the Rider's Edge course sponsored by HD a number of years ago. Voted "Most likely to accelerate" in my class!

The cost was worth it to get the MC endorsement on my DL. $:-\$

hunt4570 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2009, 03:17:52 PM »

Yeah, the auto endorsement allowed by most states is nice..

deernhog · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2009, 03:39:24 PM »

I too have been riding for 30 years and I 'm just too set in my ways to do it. The OL took the course and crashed on the second day. Slight concussion, fractured wrist and seperated a rib. Hand slipped off the clutch during the revving and clutch feathering. Not thier fault at the class she just made a boo boo. She did learn enough to get back on a bike later and ride pretty well. I do notice a high number of new owners take the course but never go thru with the license. I have never talked with a single student that said they didn't learn something in the class. The student to instructor ratio in the OL's class was pretty good from what I could see. Being an instructor I would like to see the class last at least two days longer for more saturation time. JMHO

hunt4570 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 21, 2009, 05:26:06 PM »

MSF mandates 12 max students on a full size range with max of 6 students per instructor.On the modified (smaller) course there can be a max of 8 students with one instructor per that 8.
I wish I could convince more 30+ year riders (I'm one at 36 years riding) to take the ERC (experienced rider course) every time I do AND they come in with an open mind...they are just amazed at what they didn't know..We get some that come back every year for an "early season refresher" class...including a Goldwing Drill team that comes every year...
Try it you will like it..

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #10 on:** December 22, 2009, 03:44:29 AM »

I just read my post. I didn't mean there was no reason to take the class, just that I had no reason for not taking it.

hunt4570 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 22, 2009, 03:51:04 AM »

Well give it a try sometime..you WILL like it...

pastorp · « **Reply #12 on:** December 22, 2009, 04:20:27 AM »

I have been riding over 40 years and never taken a class. I don't even think they were offered back then. I did require my son to take the class before I bought him his first bike and he learned a lot. I believe it's a good thing just not a good fit for me. I tend to be a loner and avoid most group activites.

The secret to becoming a old biker is defensive driving.

But of course those of us that have lived through a few years of riding know & practice defensive driving. JMO

Regards,

Tonk · « **Reply #13 on:** December 22, 2009, 04:59:39 AM »

Hunt45/70.....There were 2 instuctors but only 1 that was really vocal like a DI (drill instructor) and his repore with the women was not the best in my eyes. Nonetheless, the first part of the course was classroom work on a Friday (4-hours & breaks) night as I remember. However, the next day started at 8-o'clock sharp on a chilly Saturday morning and went for a little over 8 hours. We got a morning break and lunch break and then an afternoon break. There were at least 25 people taking this course that day, I feel that is tooooo many people to keep an eye on period. I was more worried about getting "crashed into" than anything else that day. This must have been fast money for the college! It cost over $100 bucks as I think back in time.

The surface was a blacktop parking lot on the college campus, that had a heck of a slant from top to bottom. Not the easiest place to learn how to ride on with a bike for Beginners in my book. There were several complaints turned into the college as far as the instruction and time spent goes by those in the class. I gave my opinion to the College after getting a letter they sent me, which was 3 classes of 3 hours each on riding the motorcycle and 1-four hour classroom session. As I stated, I was asked to teach the class but declined because I felt it was NOT set up properly for all ages of people and numbers etc.

Now what I am saying is simply this: To take a course and NOT have been used to sitting on a motorcycle for all day, this is far to much time in the saddle for most people. It is crammed to much together period! Now I am no rookie when it comes to riding but that older person over 45 man or women who has never sat a seat on a bike for this length of time, will give you a sore A$$ in a heart beat. I started back in the 60's riding motorcycles and even did the hill climbs and some flat track racing as well. Now you those people get turned loose to ride a motorcycle on the highways and Many have virtually NO experience in traffic.

I honestly believe that people would get a whole lot more out of the riding portion of the classs, if this class were in 4 hour sessions and NOT simply 1 eight hour session. Hell the US ARMY has a 3 day course on how to drive a dump trump......3 days of actual driving and instruction, not everything crammed into one day. Yes, many who came to that class thought they were going to learn how to ride a bike etc. Several fell and one broke an arm, one lady fell half dozen times and was asked to leave....dah!

Bigeasy · « **Reply #14 on:** December 22, 2009, 05:39:13 AM »

Never took a riding course, don't think they were offered when I started riding on the street 35 years ago. That said, a course geared for experienced riders would attract more of the "30 year guys" then would the usual basic "I want to get my liscence" course you see most often offered. To say 30 years riding experience doesnt mean anything, well I disagree. In almost any context, experience is important, - all the accidents avoided, seen, the wet roads, the funky intersections, the mechanical failures, it all adds up, and makes us better riders. Anyone riding 30 years or more without too many pins and screws must be doing something right.

Larry

hunt4570 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 22, 2009, 06:31:28 AM »

Tonk, Was that 25 people on one range or two? If it was on one range then it was either not an approved MSF school,or they were doing it WAY wrong.I don't know how long ago it was, but if they are still doing it that way you may want to report it to the MSF.
As far as doing the range part in one day that part is wrong also,the range is supposed to be broken up into two days also. At our school (the oldest private school in the country,same place since 1974) we have a 3 hour classroom session friday evening,then 8-noon on saterday on the range,then a couple more hours classroom saterday afternoon,then back on the range to finish up on Sunday morning..this set up works great,holds everyone's attention, and the students dont get to tired...tired students is a no-no..

hunt4570 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 22, 2009, 06:48:18 AM »

Bigeasy...They were just experimenting with the classes back when you..and me.. started riding. I never took a class way back when either..we all were self trained..buy a bike and ride.That is how it was done then..
And they do have the course you are refering to, Its called the Experienced Rider Course (ERC) normally about 4 hours long out on the range and a little bit of classroom (sometimes also done out on the range).Its only for the experienced rider on their own motorcycle,that way they can get instruction on the bike they are used to and ride all the time. And soooo many of the 30 + year riders still wont do it because either they think they know everything or their pride wont let them (because they think they know it all).The worst are the old Harley riders,again pride I think gets in the way...when I talk to them (I ride a Harley) I always get the same old "I don't need no class I've been riding __ years..) then they paddlefoot around and take off down the road...amusing sometimes...
And you are right ..the experience of all those years does account for a lot (bad wording on my part,sorry), now if you (you in general,not you personally) can add some improved skills to that experience...now we are getting somewhere..

KeepTryin · « **Reply #17 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:09:20 AM »

I went to California Superbike School at RoadAmerica (Elkhart Lake) in like 93 or so. Beat everybody in the class. Best $400 I ever spent, whatta hoot. Canada corner is so cool, you go from hitting the revlimiter in 6th which is about 155 then down to second gear for the righthander, awesome stuff.

KeepTryin · « **Reply #18 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:17:23 AM »

I should add that it was going to my head that I was out front of the class and then one of the instructors (Donny Greene) shot by me at WAY faster than my speed and looked back, flapping his elbows telling me not to 'be so tense' LOL

Man I gotta do that again someday...

jshootr · « **Reply #19 on:** December 22, 2009, 12:26:25 PM »

I have taken a class, was very well run, learned a lot.
started with my first bike late in life 50+, I don't think i would be riding now 60+ if I had not taken class.
I encourage anyone who wants get a bike or endorsement to take a class.
then practice, practice, practice

Jerry

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #20 on:** December 22, 2009, 01:44:50 PM »

That experenced rider class sounds like fun,and I may try it.I got 300 miles of experence on a trip back from Ruidosa NM last year,having to ride in rain for 300 miles.The first 100 was rode at 58 mph. and then some other Harley rider past me like I was sitting still.Soooo I uped mine to 68 mph with the cruise,and rode the next 200 like that.I followed the guy for 15 or 20 miles before he got out of view and he was still going about 75 or 80. I learned that if you stay between the ruts that the bike handle's very well in about 1/2" of water.This was a new bike with about 2000 miles on the tires. Any one else ever tried this? Or was I just lucky? Digger

hunt4570 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 22, 2009, 03:27:37 PM »

The key to that was the new(er) tires..if the tires are good you are probably ok...and yeah, stay out of the ruts..
The ERC IS a lot of fun....try it sometime...

Tonk · « **Reply #22 on:** December 23, 2009, 07:30:33 PM »

Now that was 25 people on one parking (25 motorcycles 1 person for each bike) lot at the college! Also 1 classroom full of people the night before as well. NO instructor should have more than 7 people period, now I will stick to my guns on that subject.

Now the real scary part was when the instructor wanted us to turn figure 8's on the parking lot and have intervals between us, It looked like some kind of stunt driving for many. We had a couple of fender benders and dropped bikes doing this. Now you wonder what the guy behind you is going to do as you enter the intersection.........Not something I wanted to do with Rookie Riders mind you.

hunt4570 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 24, 2009, 03:41:58 AM »

Quote from: Tonk on December 23, 2009, 07:30:33 PM

Now that was 25 people on one parking (25 motorcycles 1 person for each bike) lot at the college! Also 1 classroom full of people the night before as well. NO instructor should have more than 7 people period, now I will stick to my guns on that subject.

Now the real scary part was when the instructor wanted us to turn figure 8's on the parking lot and have intervals between us, It looked like some kind of stunt driving for many. We had a couple of fender benders and dropped bikes doing this. Now you wonder what the guy behind you is going to do as you enter the intersection.........Not something I wanted to do with Rookie Riders mind you.

On a full size range MSF mandates 6 students per instructor max..the other things you speak of are also no-no's..I'm thinking the class is some sort of independent class and sounds like it should be avoided like the plague...

All schools are not like that I assure you

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #24 on:** December 24, 2009, 06:28:19 AM »

No class here unless you want to call it the School of hard knocks. This involved riding dirt bikes in the 100cc to 125cc class from when I was 14yrs old to 19yrs old.

I did graduate to road bikes (four to be exact) and have ridden trouble free for a lot of years now.

horsepower · « **Reply #25 on:** January 01, 2010, 06:01:49 PM »

I took the beginner course after taking the written exam and in lieu of the driving exam. I can tell you with absolute certainty that that course saved my life at least once and has helped me out numerous times. I planned on taking the ERC last summer and just never got around to it. Still want to take it and wish they offered a pillion class. Then maybe I could get my lovely bride to ride with me.

hunt4570 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 01, 2010, 06:50:44 PM »

Quote from: horsepower on January 01, 2010, 06:01:49 PM

I took the beginner course after taking the written exam and in lieu of the driving exam. I can tell you with absolute certainty that that course saved my life at least once and has helped me out numerous times. I planned on taking the ERC last summer and just never got around to it. Still want to take it and wish they offered a pillion class. Then maybe I could get my lovely bride to ride with me.

The MSF offers a Co-Rider (pillion class) in the ERC..If you don't see one listed just ask..every ERC we do we get 1 or 2 co-riders...like I say...just ask.

giturgun · « **Reply #27 on:** January 01, 2010, 10:11:04 PM »

Never took one , but a co-worker and now riding friend did last year when he started riding. He loved the class, and even recommended the advanced to about everyone he sees that rides.
I am considering it soon as the old 77 bobber is repaired with a headgasket. Would rather ride it than my 88 1500 for kicks , handles better.

RJL-77 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 30, 2010, 01:09:19 PM »

No I have not taken a class. $ and no sense. When I have asked ppl who have taken the course what they learned they tell me stuff like light finger control, and push gently RT. to turn left. Brake with front first. Mostly stuff I have been doing instinctivly for fourty years.
Jim

hunt4570 · « **Reply #29 on:** January 30, 2010, 01:45:17 PM »

Quote from: RJL-77 on January 30, 2010, 01:09:19 PM

No I have not taken a class. $ and no sense. When I have asked ppl who have taken the course what they learned they tell me stuff like light finger control, and push gently RT. to turn left. Brake with front first. Mostly stuff I have been doing instinctivly for fourty years.
Jim

Light finger control??NOT. If you push right, you go right..not left...its called countersteering.Brake with BOTH brakes at the same time..not front first!!! Sounds like you are a prime candidate for a class..